Dockem Koala iPad & Tablet Wall Mount

By Eugene Kim

There are plenty of stands out there for propping up iPads and other tablets for watching videos and other uses. But not every space has a nice flat surface for a stand, and in some cases you might prefer to mount your tablet to a wall. The Dockem Koala iPad & Tablet Wall Mount ($19.99 direct) lets you do just that, with a dead-simple installation process that takes just seconds. ?

This wall mounting system is about as simple as they come. You get two plastic brackets that hold your device in place (pairs are sold separately in either chrome, black, or white finishes), two 3M Command Strips, and an alcohol prep pad. Each bracket measures 3.5 by 0.75 by 0.75 inches (HWD), with vented accents along the sides and a lip along the bottom that holds your tablet in place. Under the bottom lip is a small hook for cables.

Though it's made primarily for the iPad, from first-generation all the way up to the most recent fourth-gen?models, the Dockem Koala works with any tablet or smartphone that measures less than 0.4-inches thick. The two brackets aren't connected, so you can use them with any variety of devices, as long as they don't exceed the 0.4-inch maximum thickness and 5-pound maximum weight.?I tested with an iPad 2?, which fit even with a Smart Cover attached, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)?. Neither was a perfect fit, but held securely when properly installed to a normal painted wall, and didn't obscure any of the screen. The all-plastic construction is a little flimsy feeling, but the tabs didn't exhibit any flex. The cable hooks were also great for keeping charging cords within reach at all times.?

Installation is as simple as attaching the included 3M strips, holding the two tabs against the bottom corners of your tablet, and then pressing firmly against a wall. You just need to be sure you everything is level before you affix the strips. You'll also want to make sure the tabs are pressed as close to your tablet's edges as possible for the most secure fit. The 3M strips are rated to hold up to 5 pounds each, so today's tablets, all of which weigh much less, are no problem. Removing the Dockem Koala is equally easy, requiring a simple pull on the bottom flaps of the 3M strips. That's important, since you'll have to remove the adhesive to correct alignment or adjust for a new device. You can't reuse the strips, but 3M Command Strips are available all over for under $5.?

There are a number of useful applications for the Dockem Koala. During the test period, I used the mount on the wall next to my bed, turning my tablet into a small TV/alarm clock, freeing up precious space on my tiny nightstand. The Wallee system?also has a wall-mount component, but you'll have to screw the wall mounts into place, and you'll have to buy a special case for your device.?The plastic construction feels a little flimsy, and you need to work to get a precise fit, but if you want to mount your tablet or even smartphone on a wall, the Dockem Koala is a simple solution that will only set you back $20 and a few seconds for installation.?

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